More Support for Adults with a Developmental Disability

Backgrounder

More Support for Adults with a Developmental Disability

The 2013 Ontario Budget announced $42.5 million in additional funding per year to improve supports for adults with developmental disabilities. This additional support will help families and adults at high risk and better support those with complex needs. In total, Ontario will invest more than $1.7 billion this year in services and supports for people with a developmental disability. Funding is available immediately. Individuals and families will be notified if they will receive new funding. Approximately 370 community agencies across Ontario deliver critical services and supports including:

Temporary emergency support

Funding will be provided to an estimated 600-800 adults with a developmental disability who experience an emergency need, such as the illness of a caregiver.

For example, it could be used to provide transportation for an individual with a developmental disability going to and from a day program for a few weeks while a caregiver is recovering from surgery.

This type of support could help prevent a crisis situation that would otherwise require more intensive or costly supports. Funding will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Training and equipment for complex needs

One-time funding will be provided to community agencies to help them improve services for adults with complex and changing needs. This includes staff training related to physical and behavioural challenges, as well as purchasing specialized furniture and equipment, such as bed lifts or portable ramps for adults with mobility limitations.

Direct funding support

New or additional direct funding will be provided through the Passport program to 850 adults with a developmental disability.

Direct funding through Passport gives adults the flexibility to choose how they would like to participate in the community. For example, it can help them:

take part in community classes or recreational programs

develop work, volunteer, and daily life skills

create their own life plans and reach their goals.

Passport funding can also be used to hire a support worker to help the individual with a developmental disability, in order to give their main caregiver a break. This type of support could help prevent caregiver burn out which can lead to a crisis situation.

Residential supports

New residential supports will be provided for up to 250 adults facing high safety and security risks including:

adults who are in crisis because their residential circumstances have changed (e.g., due to a caregiver's sudden health problem)

former Crown wards who are leaving the child welfare system when they turn 18 years of age and lack a family support structure.

Residential supports aim to provide people with a developmental disability with a supportive, safe and secure place to live.

They include family home settings, group homes and other supported living arrangements, as well as specialized residences for people who have additional support needs, such as mental health services.